(remember, these are unedited/draft show notes, not a transcript — listening is always better…and if you listen AND follow along below, you’ll see how)
Focus Question:
Which categories of human temptation did Jesus experience?
Intro:
Today in Matthew 4 we hear what is perhaps a familiar story of the Devil tempting Jesus. What may not be quite so familiar is how the ways that that temptation happens actually tells a deeper story…and answers today’s focus question, “Which categories of human temptation did Jesus experience?”
New Testament segment:
Passage: Matthew 4
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses: 25
Words: ~528
So the answer to today’s focus question, “Which categories of human temptation did Jesus experience?” is
The three temptations (4:1–11) epitomize all major categories of human temptation, what the apostle John later would call the “lust of the flesh,” “the lust of the eyes,” and “the pride of life” (1 John 2:16).(1)
Alright, let’s get to King Hezekiah who not only was one of the few good kings, unlike the others, you’ll hear that he actually did some clean up on the pagan worship places, too.
Old Testament segment:
Passage: 2 Kings 20-21
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses: 47
Words: ~1488
Wisdom segment:
Passage: Psalm 20
Translation: CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Verses: 9
Words: ~148
The bottom line:
Lust, greed, pride. That about sums up the downside of the human condition, right? I’ll leave you with an amazing reminder from the writer to the Hebrews who spends the first part of that work making an argument for Jesus in every category, including that he was the final great high priest.
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. He 4:14–16, CSB
Love you!
Roger
ForTheHope is a daily audio Bible + apologetics podcast and blog. We’ve got a passion for just keepin’ it real, having conversations like normal people, and living out the love of Jesus better every single day.
Roger Courville, CSP is a globally-recognized expert in digitally-extended communication and connection, an award-winning speaker, award-winning author, and a passionately bad guitarist. Follow him on Twitter -- @RogerCourville and @JoinForTheHope – or his blog: www.forthehope.org.
Sources and resources:
(1) David S. Dockery, ed., Holman Bible Handbook (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 1992), 545.